It may be my age. It may be my pride. It may be my lifelong experiences. In reality, it is no doubt a combination of all three that culminated in a more emotional than usual Fourth of July weekend. I watched baseball and fireworks, consumed hot dogs and apple pie, and, as corny as it may be, drove to the various events in my Chevrolet.

The events began to unfold a few days before the holiday while attending a District 12 Little League playoff game. Watching the same game was Jimmy Webb (yes, I know most everyone else refers to him as Jim). I sought him out as I was having an inner dilemma regarding the content of this week’s column. My consternation revolved around a woman I know nothing about; Gwen Berry sought a spot on the United States Olympic team. As has been well-documented, Berry, who is sponsored by an anti-law enforcement group, ‘Color of Change,’ finished third in the event but turned her back on the American flag as the U.S. anthem was being played.

While discussing the event, I told Jimmy I was a bit torn. When his father, Jim Webb Sr. ask me to write for this publication, he said I could write on anything I wanted to as long as it may be of some interest to local readers, and I didn’t use the space to disrespect others. Ah, there lies the rub. Berry’s actions may be of interest, but more likely disgust, to readership, but I didn’t think I could approach the subject without some personal bias showing through.

Jimmy’s response was swift. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll take care of that.”

So, I moved on to consider other topics for this space. The July 4th weekend turned out to be great. I spent some time with family and friends, put too many hours into yard work, and was happy the 2020 cancel culture did not wipe out the 245th celebration of our nation’s birth. It was strange to see both the NBA and NHL playoffs still being contested this late in the year.

As a Boston Red Sox fan, I was encouraged by the old baseball axiom that teams in first place on the 4th of July go on to win their respective division 60% of the time. I was dismayed to learn that another boyhood saying “sweet corn is knee-high by the 4th of July” is a bit bunk but happy to know when a Tebbs employee informed me that one of my favorite foods would be available this week.

My emotions of the day were heightened by the morning’s church service attended by many red, white & blue attired parishioners. Musical renditions of Amazing Grace, America the Beautiful, and other patriotic hymns set the tone for a reflective and enjoyable day. I didn’t venture to downtown Williamsport for the gala celebration, instead spending the time relaxing with family on the back patio. However, I did enjoy a good view of the spectacular fireworks from the steps of my neighbor’s front porch.
One personal sports frustration did occur in an attempt to purchase tickets for a Red Sox/Blue Jays game later this month in Buffalo. In the spirit of true friendship Ed Feinberg, a life-long died-in-the-wool Yankees fan, spent an hour with me trying unsuccessfully to purchase tickets to see the Sox play. The complete aggravation of MLB’s ‘simple to do’ ticket purchase requirement left me thinking I’m done attending MLB games until I can purchase an actual real ticket to do so.

The genuine frustration of the day dealt with the senseless turmoil the nation is facing regarding individual’s inability to tolerate anyone else’s beliefs and traditions that don’t coincide with theirs. Regardless of one’s personal views, be it political or social, the current unrest is unhealthy. None of us have been around or know anybody that has, for 245 years. The United States of America has done just that, enabling all of us to freely do what we do in our daily lives. But, if the current downslide continues, there won’t be another celebration to mark 245 more years down the road.

The Philadelphia Phillies wear red, white & blue uniforms and play in ‘the City of Brotherly Love’ beneath a giant symbol of the Liberty Bell. The Las Vegas Raiders are clad in silver & black, surrounded by a lot of unsavory characters in ‘Sin City.’ Yet folks from all walks of life tolerate and proudly cheer for each of those teams.

Indeed sports, like people themselves, possess all kinds of warts.

Because he didn’t like the state of Georgia’s new voting procedures, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred reneged on his promise to hold the All-Star game in Atlanta, moving it to Denver, where baseball honored Hank Aaron. The latter was beloved and established baseball records playing in the Georgia City.

U.S. track and field star Sha’Carri Richardson is serving a suspension for failing a drug test that will prevent her from participating in the upcoming Olympic Games. Richardson was considered to be the favorite to win the 100-meter dash gold medal.

Los Angeles Dodger pitcher Trevor Bauer, the reigning Cy Young Award winner, is serving a suspension by Major League Baseball following allegations of sexual abuse. Bauer is MLB’s highest-paid player earning $102 million for the 2021 & 2022 seasons. To mend these ever-increasing differences, perhaps we all should heed these words of America the Beautiful;

“O beautiful for pilgrim’s feet
Whose stern, impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness

America! America!
God mend thine ev’ry flaw
Confirm they soul in self-control
Thy liberty in law!”